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DEQ releases draft proposed coal ash impoundment classifications

Thursday, December 31, 2015 - 12:00am

Today, DEQ released its draft proposed classifications for Duke Energy’s 32 coal ash impoundments in North Carolina. This is in keeping with the Dec. 31 deadline set up by the Coal Ash Management Act (CAMA). The draft classifications are based on months of scientific review by DEQ staff of scientific and technical information about each impoundment. Each draft classification is based upon the impoundment’s potential risk to the environment and public health. Factors taken into consideration when developing the classifications include impacts to surface water, dam safety and impacts to groundwater.

DEQ is dedicated to upholding the coal ash law and making decisions that are based only off of science and public comment. In February and March, DEQ will hold a public meeting in each county with a coal ash facility to receive comments on the draft proposed classifications.

The draft classifications released today are not final. Within 30 days, DEQ must release written details of the evaluation of each impoundment to support these draft proposed classifications. DEQ will release its final proposed draft classifications after it reviews and considers public comment.

To read the Executive Summary of the Draft Proposed Impoundment Classifications, click here.